Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Delightful animated Christmas story, but some bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
Each Christmas, Granny Rose (Mary Tyler Moore) helps Santa deliver the presents to the children of her village. When she is taken ill and bedridden, she asks Mr. Grimm (Tony Randall) to deliver the presents for her. Instead, he intends to sell them and make a lot of money. Overhearing Mr. Grimm's wicked plans, the toys decide to go around the village and deliver themselves. While Mr. Grimm tries to stop the toys, Granny Rose must figure out a way to stop Mr. Grimm, and insure that all the toys in the village are delivered to the good boys and girls, especially Christopher Winter, a boy who has come to believe that Christmas is only for rich kids.
Is It Any Good?
HOW THE TOYS SAVED CHRISTMAS is a delightful Christmas cartoon delivering timeless holiday themes of selfless giving and Christmas cheer overcoming greed. These messages are presented in an original manner, as toys attempt to deliver themselves. Whereas many Christmas movies and cartoons can feel heavy-handed or even cynical, this understated should-be classic finds its own unique place in holiday fare.
Both parents and children will enjoy this tale of holiday gift-giving.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how How the Toys Saved Christmas compares to other Christmas movies. Where does the story seem similar to other Christmas stories? Where is does it stand out as its own unique story?
How do Christopher Winters and Granny Rose stand up to the bullies they meet? Have you or a friend ever been bullied? How did you handle it?
What does the film say is the meaning of Christmas? What do you believe?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 9, 2003
- Cast : Mary Tyler Moore , Neil Shee , Tony Randall
- Director : Enzo D'Alo
- Studio : Miramax
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Holidays
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 18, 2025
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